(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen.<br /> <br /> Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life."<br /> <br /> Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes.<br /> <br /> "The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job."<br /> <br /> The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule.<br /> <br /> For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are:<br /> <br /> * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson<br /> <br /> * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds<br /> <br /> * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz<br /> <br /> * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood<br /> <br /> The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants.<br /> <br /> The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms.<br /> <br /> "The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says.<br /> <br /> The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids.<br /> <br /> The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/BNHangout">#BNHangout</a>.<br /> <br /> Ref: Communities - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - It seems as if there is nothing a smartphone can't do these days. It can get you where you want to go (most of the time), you can make reservations at your favorite restaurant, and now you can use it to detect whether your home is leaking energy or water.<br /> <br /> Thermal imaging, a once-costly technology, available only to the military and police or firefighters, is now just a finger-swipe away with the right attachment to your smartphone, thanks to Seek Thermal, a California-based technology company.<br /> <br /> The way it works is this: the Seek Compact Camera (which is smaller than a credit card swiper for your phone) attaches to your smartphone, turning it into a thermal imager that can then identify hot and cold spots in your house. After downloading a free app, the camera begins working in seconds and homeowners can then easily spot energy loss in the home caused by air leaks, missing or damaged insulation, insufficient HVAC or poor construction. In addition, the thermal imaging camera can also find water in roofs, walls, doors, and window frames.<br /> <br /> According to one user who tested the Seek camera at the end of winter in his own home, the results were "stunning."<br /> <br /> "Within minutes, I was able to detect sources of heat leaking out of my house," he says. "Some of these places are easy to fix, while others would be quite difficult."<br /> <br /> For professional contractors, the Seek CompactPRO is a must-have because the camera has enough sensitivity to locate radiant heating pipes under concrete slabs, identify unsealed insulation gaps in roofs, walls, and door and window frames, and find out how far water has spread in the case of a leak.<br /> <br /> Thinking of buying a home? This little jewel could save you all kinds of unexpected surprises in the form of water leaks in the basement and behind finished walls, and roof leaks that may have been painted over by a homeowner trying to disguise a problem.<br /> <br /> To protect your investment (both the camera and your phone), the Seek Compact has a compatible module for the OtterBox uniVERSE Case System.<br /> <br /> The smartphone attachment is designed to work with both iPhone and Android top models.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.thermal.com. <br /> <br /> Ref: Awesome - in Blogs

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Travelers who are seeking serenity as part of their quintessential Caribbean luxury resort experience will find their perfect getaway at Calabash Cove.<br /><br />With a secluded beachfront location on the northwest (or Caribbean) side of the coast of the island of St. Lucia, Calabash Cove offers privacy and luxury for adults only.<br /><br />The Calabash Cove guest list includes singles and couples, some honeymooners, some celebrating an anniversary or other special event, and others looking for a simple but elegant getaway with some personal space and well-prepared meals. Visitors come from the United States, Canada, Europe, and around the world.<br /><br />The resort and spa is a full-service resort: the optional Unconditional All-Inclusive package covers all food and drinks including room service, daily specials, an in-room bar, lobster when in season, and more than 20 wines by the bottle from the resort's extensive wine list. Tips and Wi-Fi are included as well.<br /><br />Part of the resort's appeal is its promise of intimacy - only 26 suites, all with a king bed, Jacuzzi, double vanity, rain shower, private balcony or patio, ocean view and cable TV. The resort is built along a sloping hill and was designed to complement and harmonize with the natural surroundings and offer guests full benefit of ocean breezes and sunset views.<br /><br />The property includes a private beach with nearby coral reef, as well as tropical gardens and groves of trees to set the scene for reflection and relaxation.<span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Saint Lucia - in Countries</span>

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Morning with the Master<br /> <br /> Hey sisters and brothers! Welcome to my weekly devotional where we can share prayers, scriptures and reflection. <br /> <br /> When reading this morning, I came across the story of Athaliah, the first female crowned king who, when her husband and sons died, killed off the rest of her family line (her grandkids) so that she would be the only person left in her lineage and could rule until her death. I don't know about you, but there is nothing more important than my family--and the grandkids are extra special and precious to my very sight! To have that much greed and desire to have not only everyone answer to you, but also be the sole decision maker is completely out of bounds, and extremely ambitious. <br /> <br /> As a Christian woman, I don't want to be the only face that people seek for approval, answers and permission. That is too much weight for any one person to bear and its just unnatural. Who can you love? Who can love you? <br /> <br /> The divine God created the world and everything in it. Can any man or woman follow that? Not one! Can any man or woman have the right answer to EVERY question or concern? Not one! Can any man or woman create a permanent route for peace and understanding? Not one!<br /> <br /> There is a reason we cannot see or touch God. Because we might do like Athaliah and try to eliminate the almighty because of greed and idolatry. He oversees and has the end say to everything we do. That is a safety I can count on if I cannot rely on anything else in this world.<br /> <br /> Let me know your thoughts. Let's talk about it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Religion - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - When Jess Michaels isn't obsessively checking her steps on FitBit or watching daytime Court TV, she's a best-selling author who writes historical romances with heroines who speak their mind.<br /> <br /> Her first foray into publishing began, as many picture the life of an author, with a traditional publishing deal. But after releasing a few books, Michaels decided to turn down an additional deal and try self-publishing.<br /> <br /> "I'd begun developing an audience for my books and wanted to try something different. Authors I respected had success and greater control over their work with self-publishing, so I was eager to try it for myself," says Michaels.<br /> <br /> She mastered it quickly and decided to go "strictly indie" in 2015, using Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) service to publish in both eBook and print. Since her decision to self-publish, she has been on the USA bestseller list ten times. Her husband quit his job at a large technology company and now works with Michaels to run their publishing company.<br /> <br /> "I wanted more control over not just the creative writing, but also the marketing strategy, cover art, and other business aspects of publishing. I grew frustrated being unable to make these decisions going the traditional publishing route," she says. "I'm both a writer and entrepreneur, and I'm enjoying more creative and financial rewards than I ever have."<br /> <br /> For Michaels, who says the initial idea of going indie was "taking a leap off a cliff and hoping you can fly before you crash," the resulting benefits have exceeded her expectations.<br /> <br /> For those authors wrestling with the idea of self-publishing, consider this:<br /> <br /> - Creative control. Self-publishing a book allows authors to build characters and stories exactly the way they want and, ultimately, retain full rights to their original material. A book that has been nursed from inception to novel remains yours.<br /> <br /> - Get to market fast. Once a book is ready, self-publishing services, such as KDP, guide authors through setting up their books and getting them in the hands of readers in just a matter of days.<br /> <br /> - Make more money. Authors who opt to self-publish can set their own prices and take home a higher percentage of royalties.<br /> <br /> While a self-published author serves as his or her own marketing department, indie publishers make marketing simple and effective. Self-publishing companies, such as Amazon, also offer authors additional promotional opportunities to make their work available to more readers.<br /> <br /> Many authors find support through writers' groups online, such as Facebook groups, or in-person by attending workshops and writers' conferences. Most cities have local writing groups that meet regularly. These meetings can provide constructive criticism of your work and other resources.<br /> <br /> "I fell into self-publishing by accident, and found that connecting with other authors and joining a local writers' organization helped me improve my technique and career tremendously," says self-published science fiction and fantasy author T.S. Paul. "When sales of my novels began to take off, I began working with freelancers and a virtual assistant, also, to grow the community around me."<br /> <br /> Regardless of whether a writer is interested in romance, mystery, fantasy, or biographies, self-publishing with services such as KDP can empower them to pursue their dreams, especially if they're willing to study the business side of publishing as well as Jess Michaels did.<br /> <br /> Who knows? Maybe the best seller list is closer than you think.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit <a target='_blank' href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.">https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Books - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Joanne C. was 74 when she had a stroke two years ago that left her paralyzed on the entire right side of her body. She refused to accept that she'd end up in a wheelchair and began rehabilitation, determined to get her life and body back to where it was before her stroke.<br /> <br /> Joanne's hard work paid off. She has regained much of her strength and movement and can walk again. In large part, she credits her SilverSneakers exercise classes - offered through her HumanaChoice® PPO, a Medicare Advantage preferred provider organization (PPO) health plan - as key to her successful recovery.<br /> <br /> Being a SilverSneakers member helped keep Joanne in good physical condition before her stroke. "SilverSneakers helped me be familiar with many of the exercises they had me do in physical therapy and gave me the confidence and strength to persevere through a difficult rehab process," Joanne says.<br /> <br /> Numerous studies, including Tivity Health's SilverSneakers Annual Member Survey of 2016, confirm that exercising, especially with others, improves older adults' physical and mental health.1,2, 3<br /> <br /> However, there are challenges that prevent many Medicare beneficiaries from joining gyms and fitness classes.<br /> <br /> By offering SilverSneakers through its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Humana is working to overcome those barriers so more people with Medicare can benefit from exercising.<br /> <br /> For those on a fixed income, joining a gym can be expensive. SilverSneakers provides gym access at no additional cost to many of Humana's MA members across the country, including those in Florida and Texas. SilverSneakers has partnered with almost 14,000 fitness and wellness centers around the U.S. and, with national reciprocity, SilverSneakers members can go to any one of those facilities.<br /> <br /> The program is designed with the Medicare population in mind and taught by certified instructors who offer classes and modifications for all fitness levels. These instructors are specifically trained to help members avoid stress-related injuries to muscles and joints.<br /> <br /> There's also a wide variety of classes offered, including circuit training, yoga, Latin dance and even an outdoor boot camp. SilverSneakers members also have access to all of a facility's amenities, which can include a range of exercise equipment, weight rooms and swimming pools.<br /> <br /> "According to Tivity Health's annual survey, SilverSneakers has made a significant difference in the lives of many of our Medicare Advantage members, not only in their physical health, but also in their social life," says Lauri Kalanges, M.D., Humana's Medical Director of Medicare Products for the Mid-Atlantic Region.<br /> <br /> Tivity Health's Annual Member Survey of 2016 found that 91 percent of SilverSneakers participants reported an improved quality of life. SilverSneakers has had a substantial impact on the health of its participants, reducing hospitalizations and the risk of depression.3<br /> <br /> For more information about SilverSneakers, go to www.silversneakers.com.<br /> <br /> Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change each year. SilverSneakers is not offered on all Humana MA plans in all areas.<br /> <br /> 1. Nguyen Q, Ackermann RT, Maciejewski M, Berke E, Patrick M, Williams B and LoGerfo JP. Managed-Medicare Health Club Benefit and Reduced Health Care Costs Among Older Adults. Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(1).<br /> <br /> 2. Nguyen HQ, Maciejewski M, Gao S, Lin E, William, B, LoGerfo JP. Health Care Use and Costs Associated with Use of a Health Club Membership Benefit in Older Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008; 31:1562-1567<br /> <br /> 3. Nguyen, Koepsell, Unutzer, Larson and LoGerfo. Depression and Use of a Health Plan-Sponsored Physical Activity Program by Older Adults. Am J Prev Med 2008;35(2):111-117<br /> <br /> Ref: Dance - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Most Americans don't have $400 saved to cover for an unexpected emergency, but a recent poll from Chase found that consumers may be ready to change that this year. 80 percent plan to save more and 51 percent say emergency savings is their goal.<br /> <br /> Savings is key to financial health and Chase Financial Education Ambassador Farnoosh Torabi has tips and advice on how to get started and make savings a habit. (watch video)<br /> <br /> According to Torabi, increasing savings is key to stability and gives people the ability to quickly recover when there are ups and downs.<br /> <br /> Chase is focused on helping encourage the habit of savings and support people by providing information and resources that can help customers on their savings journey.<br /> <br /> Take a first step by understanding your expenses and building a budget. Budget Builder is a great tool from Chase to help you monitor your monthly spending and saving.<br /> <br /> Once you have this baseline, the key to reaching your goals is to just start saving, even if you're starting small. "My advice is to automate," says Torabi. "There is a great feature through the Chase App called Autosave which allows you to decide on your own how much you want to save and how frequently you want to save, so you can feel in control of this. The good news is the technology does the savings for you." With this feature, you can save as little as $1 a day.<br /> <br /> While consistency is key, savings is about what works for you. In a month when you have extra cash, you can always accelerate your savings, but in a tighter month, it's all right to take a pause or draw from your savings to cover an unexpected expense.<br /> <br /> Check out chase.com/autosave for more information and tips on how to make savings work for you.<br /> <br /> Ref: Crowdfunding - in Blogs